 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Health Focus
A Good Foundation
By Mary Jo Harrod
Name one of the hardest working and
most important parts of your body that
probably receives the least amount of
attention. This body area is not usually
considered to be beautiful or sexy and
is rarely seen in full view, but when
something goes wrong with it, the
owner is very unhappy.
Answer: It’s your feet!
“People ignore things on their feet until
they are in crisis,” says Dr. Ann K.
Pinski, a board-certified podiatric
surgeon at Podiatric Physicians of
Kentucky. “Feet are important since
walking is a large part of our lives. People need to treat their feet with common sense, but
somehow (when it comes to caring for their bodies), they stop at the ankles.”
In practice since 1986, Dr. Pinski sees a variety of foot problems. Pain, fatigue, and achy
feet, due to ingrown toenails, nail fungus, or misshapen from pressure, bring patients
searching for solutions. Corns may develop from bone spurs and shoes. Hammertoes are
where the knuckles become more prominent. Sometimes bumps appear at a joint. A nail
fungus is characterized by thick, discolored nails. When nails have white spots and
ridges, the cause can be physical or emotional stress.
“We can trim corns or fix toes,” says Pinski. “Heel spurs are due to an accumulation of
walking or standing on concrete. Feet can have bursitis or tendonitis. Biomechanical
problems are inherited and feet can be overused by athletes. But these problems can be
fixed and the feet can be more beautiful and functional.”
When we have problems with our feet or our vision, it is easy to become a recluse, sitting
around, putting on weight, making it more difficult to move at all, says Pinski. Pool
therapy, tai chi, and yoga are good ways to prevent this “body rust.” Some foot problems
can be avoided and others cannot.
One way to prevent foot problems and remain mobile is to find shoes that fit properly and
are comfortable. Ted Lowe, owner of Foot Solutions on Shelbyville Road in Louisville,
says, “Many foot issues that we see are imbalance issues. A person may need arch
supports. People need to have a measurement of their feet. Everyone here is trained to
check the shape of a person’s foot and the wear pattern of his or her shoes. We do a
bone function analysis, a muscle analysis, and check range of motion and range of
balance.”
The specialists at Foot Solutions use equipment to map out the bumps, curves, lines, and
stress points of each person’s feet. Lowe says a person with a C-shaped foot will not fit in
“a pencil-point” toed shoe. Especially anyone who has problems with her feet, ankles,
hips, knees, or lower back will benefit from having her feet measured correctly and
wearing well-fitted shoes. For diabetics, it is crucial to wear shoes that protect and
comfort feet, rather than rub or irritate them because sores can lead to amputation.
“All UPS drivers, many people who have had knee replacement surgery and waitresses
wear Spira WaveSpring shoes, which have springs in the soles,” he says. Lowe also
recommends Masai Barefoot Technology shoes with their postural mechanisms.
Spira WaveSpring shoes reduce peak impact forces by 20 percent to lower stress and
fatigue and give back 96 percent of the energy normally lost, according to the Spira
company information.
Masai Barefoot Technology or MBT physiological footwear reduce stress on knee and hip
joints; tone the body; improve the posture and gait; can benefit back, hip, leg or foot
problems, and aid the healing of muscle, tendon, joint, and ligament injuries.
“When our customers leave the store, they know what they need for their feet and can
make an informed decision about buying the proper shoes. Buy your shoes at a place
where the salesperson is trained and cares more about your comfort than about you
opening your wallet,” says Lowe.
The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends the following foot exercises
before a workout, such as walking:
1. Toe Points — While standing, do toe raises, toe points and toe curls. Hold each
position for five seconds and repeat ten times. This is a perfect way to help alleviate toe
cramps and strengthen calf muscles.
2. Toe Squeezes — Place a foam toe separator between your toes and squeeze for five
seconds. Repeat ten times. This is a good strengthening exercise for people who suffer
from hammertoes or toe cramps.
3. The Roll — Applying light pressure and rolling a golf ball under the ball of your foot for
approximately two minutes creates an instant massage for the bottom of the foot. This
exercise is perfect for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis (heel pain syndrome),
cramps or arch pain (and it feels great!). If a golf ball is not readily available, any type of
small ball will work just as well.
4. Towel Scoop — Place your gym towel on the floor and pick it up by only using your
toes. Repeat this exercise five times. Try this if you have hammertoes, toe cramps, pain
in the ball of your foot, or for overall strengthening.
Soothe Your Soles
Dr. Ann Pinski offers some suggestions about caring for your feet:
1. Don’t put your feet into tap water that is too hot for the inside of your wrist (not your
hands) or you can scald your feet.
2. Keep your feet warm in the winter by wearing wool or synthetic socks or sock liners. If
you wear cotton socks in the winter and they get wet, the socks can freeze, which is not
good for your feet.
3. Wash your feet and dry between the toes. Use lotion on your feet, but not between the
toes.
4. Wear flip flops in communal showers.
5. If you go walking, wear comfortable shoes and start an exercise program slowly.
6. Cut toenails straight across and don’t dig into the sides of the nails.
7. If you want to get a pedicure, be sure the shop has an A rating and a sign should be
posted noting this. The shop must be clean and no blade work should be done, except on
the toenails.
A Good Foundation
By Mary Jo Harrod
Name one of the hardest working and
most important parts of your body that
probably receives the least amount of
attention. This body area is not usually
considered to be beautiful or sexy and
is rarely seen in full view, but when
something goes wrong with it, the
owner is very unhappy.
Answer: It’s your feet!
“People ignore things on their feet until
they are in crisis,” says Dr. Ann K.
Pinski, a board-certified podiatric
surgeon at Podiatric Physicians of
Kentucky. “Feet are important since
walking is a large part of our lives. People need to treat their feet with common sense, but
somehow (when it comes to caring for their bodies), they stop at the ankles.”
In practice since 1986, Dr. Pinski sees a variety of foot problems. Pain, fatigue, and achy
feet, due to ingrown toenails, nail fungus, or misshapen from pressure, bring patients
searching for solutions. Corns may develop from bone spurs and shoes. Hammertoes are
where the knuckles become more prominent. Sometimes bumps appear at a joint. A nail
fungus is characterized by thick, discolored nails. When nails have white spots and
ridges, the cause can be physical or emotional stress.
“We can trim corns or fix toes,” says Pinski. “Heel spurs are due to an accumulation of
walking or standing on concrete. Feet can have bursitis or tendonitis. Biomechanical
problems are inherited and feet can be overused by athletes. But these problems can be
fixed and the feet can be more beautiful and functional.”
When we have problems with our feet or our vision, it is easy to become a recluse, sitting
around, putting on weight, making it more difficult to move at all, says Pinski. Pool
therapy, tai chi, and yoga are good ways to prevent this “body rust.” Some foot problems
can be avoided and others cannot.
One way to prevent foot problems and remain mobile is to find shoes that fit properly and
are comfortable. Ted Lowe, owner of Foot Solutions on Shelbyville Road in Louisville,
says, “Many foot issues that we see are imbalance issues. A person may need arch
supports. People need to have a measurement of their feet. Everyone here is trained to
check the shape of a person’s foot and the wear pattern of his or her shoes. We do a
bone function analysis, a muscle analysis, and check range of motion and range of
balance.”
The specialists at Foot Solutions use equipment to map out the bumps, curves, lines, and
stress points of each person’s feet. Lowe says a person with a C-shaped foot will not fit in
“a pencil-point” toed shoe. Especially anyone who has problems with her feet, ankles,
hips, knees, or lower back will benefit from having her feet measured correctly and
wearing well-fitted shoes. For diabetics, it is crucial to wear shoes that protect and
comfort feet, rather than rub or irritate them because sores can lead to amputation.
“All UPS drivers, many people who have had knee replacement surgery and waitresses
wear Spira WaveSpring shoes, which have springs in the soles,” he says. Lowe also
recommends Masai Barefoot Technology shoes with their postural mechanisms.
Spira WaveSpring shoes reduce peak impact forces by 20 percent to lower stress and
fatigue and give back 96 percent of the energy normally lost, according to the Spira
company information.
Masai Barefoot Technology or MBT physiological footwear reduce stress on knee and hip
joints; tone the body; improve the posture and gait; can benefit back, hip, leg or foot
problems, and aid the healing of muscle, tendon, joint, and ligament injuries.
“When our customers leave the store, they know what they need for their feet and can
make an informed decision about buying the proper shoes. Buy your shoes at a place
where the salesperson is trained and cares more about your comfort than about you
opening your wallet,” says Lowe.
The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends the following foot exercises
before a workout, such as walking:
1. Toe Points — While standing, do toe raises, toe points and toe curls. Hold each
position for five seconds and repeat ten times. This is a perfect way to help alleviate toe
cramps and strengthen calf muscles.
2. Toe Squeezes — Place a foam toe separator between your toes and squeeze for five
seconds. Repeat ten times. This is a good strengthening exercise for people who suffer
from hammertoes or toe cramps.
3. The Roll — Applying light pressure and rolling a golf ball under the ball of your foot for
approximately two minutes creates an instant massage for the bottom of the foot. This
exercise is perfect for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis (heel pain syndrome),
cramps or arch pain (and it feels great!). If a golf ball is not readily available, any type of
small ball will work just as well.
4. Towel Scoop — Place your gym towel on the floor and pick it up by only using your
toes. Repeat this exercise five times. Try this if you have hammertoes, toe cramps, pain
in the ball of your foot, or for overall strengthening.
Soothe Your Soles
Dr. Ann Pinski offers some suggestions about caring for your feet:
1. Don’t put your feet into tap water that is too hot for the inside of your wrist (not your
hands) or you can scald your feet.
2. Keep your feet warm in the winter by wearing wool or synthetic socks or sock liners. If
you wear cotton socks in the winter and they get wet, the socks can freeze, which is not
good for your feet.
3. Wash your feet and dry between the toes. Use lotion on your feet, but not between the
toes.
4. Wear flip flops in communal showers.
5. If you go walking, wear comfortable shoes and start an exercise program slowly.
6. Cut toenails straight across and don’t dig into the sides of the nails.
7. If you want to get a pedicure, be sure the shop has an A rating and a sign should be
posted noting this. The shop must be clean and no blade work should be done, except on
the toenails.